A commissioned portrait: price, format, timing
A portrait of one person costs €4,000. I paint in acrylic on canvas; the usual format is 50 cm wide and 60 cm high. Each painting holds one person – for a family, that means a separate portrait for each member.
A portrait takes 1–3 months. If you commission portraits of several family members, each takes about as long.
How the painting happens
What I like most is meeting the person I am going to paint – I am interested in their posture, their facial expressions, their hobbies, favourite colours, way of life and character. All of that goes into the portrait.
If the portrait is a surprise or a gift and a meeting isn’t possible, I ask for many photographs of the person: from the front, three-quarter and in profile. I study them as closely as I would study the person in front of me.
To commission a portrait, write to me at agne@agneart.com or through the inquiry form – we agree on a meeting or the photographs, the timing and the delivery.
Why I paint portraits
I’ve always had a sweet spot for contemporary portraits – they are a remarkable aesthetic representation of something that truly matters, a person’s real nature. Creating a one-of-a-kind piece of art is always captivating – and when you breathe new life into something seemingly static, there’s no better feeling than this.
Contemporary portrait artists all agree – when a person sits right in front of you, you can connect more easily and get a better glimpse of their inner self. But portraits from photographs have their advantages, too – it’s a convenient way for clients, as it requires far less time and preparation.
Painting portraits is a tough craft. In a classical portrait, the artist must be accurate in every line, shape and shadow. Contemporary portraits – more my style – don’t have to be extremely precise; there is more abstraction and more experimentation, more room for interpretation and freedom in colour, texture, shape and light. The goal stays the same: to capture the essence of a person and express their most prominent characteristics. Looking at your portrait is not the same as looking at a photo or a mirror – a good portrait is about something deeper and longer-lasting.
About the artist
I am Agne Kisonaite, a professional artist. In 2015 I received the Lithuanian National Design Prize, and my art object Lipstick Tower entered the Guinness World Records. Since 2018 I have been a member of the Lithuanian Artists’ Union. More in my biography. My other work is in the paintings and art projects sections.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a portrait cost?
A portrait of one person is €4,000. Acrylic on canvas, usually 50 × 60 cm.
How long does it take?
1–3 months per portrait. If you want it for a particular occasion, write early.
Can you paint from a photograph?
Yes. I prefer to meet in person, but if the portrait is a gift or a surprise, a few photographs from the front, three-quarter and in profile are enough.
Can I have a different size?
The usual format is 50 × 60 cm. If you would like another, write to me and we will discuss it.
Can I commission portraits of several people?
Yes. I paint each person on a separate canvas, and each takes about as long.